The appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunde Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is set to trigger a sweeping leadership change within the Nigeria Police Force, as nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) ranked above him prepare to retire.
The affected DIGs currently head some of the most strategic departments in the Force, including Finance and Administration; Operations; Logistics and Supply; the Force Criminal Investigation Department; Training and Development; Research and Planning; Information and Communication Technology; and the Force Intelligence Bureau.
Below are abridged profiles of the senior officers whose exit will mark a significant transition in the Force hierarchy:
Frank Mba
Frank Mba began his policing career as an Inspector and steadily rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1999 and Deputy Superintendent of Police in 2003.
He became Superintendent of Police in 2008, Chief Superintendent in 2012, Assistant Commissioner in 2014, Deputy Commissioner in 2018, and Commissioner of Police in December 2020. In March 2023, he was decorated as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Mba is a three-time National Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force. He also received the UN Medal for his service with the Nigeria Police Contingent to the United Nations Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007.
Mohammed Gumel
Mohammed Gumel assumed duty as the 4th Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja, in late December 2025/early January 2026.
A seasoned officer known for community policing, he was previously recognised as the Best Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024). He holds the FIPMA (Fellow, Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators) and psc (Police Staff College) designations.
The Force Intelligence Department is the apex intelligence-gathering arm of the Nigeria Police Force.
Adebola Hamzat
Adebola Hamzat serves as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply. He was appointed and decorated as DIG in March 2025.
As head of Logistics and Supply, he oversees procurement, works, housing, and the Force Quarter-Master, handling the technical and administrative needs of the entire Force.
Before his elevation, he was AIG in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa (covering Bayelsa and Rivers States), Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, and AIG in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit. He is an indigene of Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.
Yahaya Abubakar
Yahaya Abubakar most recently headed the Department of Finance and Administration at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Appointed following his promotion by the Police Service Commission in 2024, he oversees financial management, budgeting, human resources, and administrative processes within the Force. He previously served in senior roles including Assistant Inspector-General and Zone Commander.
Basil Idegwu
Basil Idegwu was appointed in March 2025 to lead the Department of Research and Planning. He is responsible for strategic planning, policy formulation, and improving operational efficiency within the Force.
He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Studies and heads a key department focused on standardisation and modernisation in policing.
Bzigu Kwazhi
Bzigu Kwazhi currently serves as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Department of Operations.
He coordinates nationwide operational activities, crime prevention strategies, joint security operations with the military, and management of incidents such as riots, disasters, and elections.
In 2025, he led high-level security assessments and operations to restore peace in Plateau and Adamawa States. He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Osun and Akwa Ibom States.
Idris Abubakar
Idris Abubakar joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet ASP on May 18, 1992. He hails from Garko LGA of Kano State.
He holds a B.Sc. in Education from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, an M.Sc. in Education (Psychology), and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Abuja.
Adebowale William
Adebowale William is a senior officer who heads the Department of Information and Communication Technology at Force Headquarters.
He oversees the Force’s technological infrastructure, digital systems, and modern policing tools aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
With Disu’s elevation to Inspector-General, the impending retirement of these senior officers marks one of the most significant leadership reshuffles in recent years, reshaping the command structure of the Nigeria Police Force.
